Problems of the feet – especially the soles- are common in men with Diabetes. By decreasing blood flow to the feet and damaging the nerves, Diabetes is responsible for various medical problems in the soles and toes.

Men who have Diabetes are more prone to problems of their feet because the disease adversely affects the feet in many different ways.

Firstly, having diabetes makes the body more susceptible to infection and less efficient in healing wounds. A wound that is slow to heal stands a good chance of getting infected or turning into an ulcer. In addition, diabetes affects the blood vessels of the body, resulting in poor blood flow to the extremities - and this reduced circulation in the feet delays wound healing even more.

The disease can also affect the nerves (Diabetic neuropathy), thus reducing the sensitivity of the skin of the soles to temperature and pain. As a result of this, small wounds that would have drawn attention to themselves by the pain they caused may not be noticed by the patient. These wounds thus enlarge and get infected without the patient even being aware of them being present! A neglected wound can progress to involve large areas of the foot and even go on to become gangrenous - which explains why Diabetes is one of the commonest causes of foot amputation in non-war ravaged societies.

Pressure and traumatic damage to the feet can occur from nails protruding through the sole of a shoe, a small sharp stone that gets inside a shoe or a sharp object which an unshod foot can step on. Minor injuries like splinters or cuts can become major problems in diabetics.

Diabetics should therefore take especial care of their feet to prevent the medical problems to which diabetic feet are prone. Paronychia (infection at the edge of a nail) is a common problem in diabetics, especially if they have ingrown toenails.

* Do not walk barefoot outside the house.

* Even when wearing shoes, slippers or sandals, be careful to ensure that sharp objects (like stakes, stones and protruding nails) do not injure your feet.

* Shoes should be comfortable - not too loose and not too tight

* Do not attempt to cut your own toenails, especially if your eyesight is poor

* Check your feet every day - especially between the toes

* Wash your feet every day with soap and water - and dry thoroughly after washing - especially between the toes

* Keep the skin moist, using lanolin or a similar moisturising cream

* Wear clean socks every day - avoiding socks made of artificial materials

* Care for your toenails - do not cut deep into the corners but cut them straight across

* Do not smoke because this damages the blood vessels to your feet